Tibetan Settlement, Bir Dege Division

A brief story of Bir Dege Division, Himachal Pradesh"

Introduction:

Dege Tibetan Society, Bir was established in 1966 on a total areas of 165 acres of land.

Settlement Location

This settlement is located in North India of Himalayas ranges in the State of Himachal Pradesh which is about 60-70 Kms away from Dharamsala. The altitude of the place is about 1500 meters away from the sea level. The maximum and minimum temperature of the place is 5 to 30 degree Celsius with average rainfall of 310 cm.

Settlement Population

Initial population	750
Present Population	721

Number of villages

The settlement consist of only one village

Settler's Livelihood

In the beginning their major source of income was tea plantation. However, this could not provide enough means of livelihoods, therefore, now they mainly depend on agriculture and carpet weaving. The settlers also go for sweater selling during winter.

Facilities in the settlement

School	One Days school up to class V One Nursery & Creche
Health facilities	One modern allopathic hospital One Tibetan Medical and Astro institute
Monastery	One Pel yul choekhorling, Nyingmapa One Gonpa sherapling, Kagyue One Dzongsar, Sakya
Old people's home	none

Administrative setup

Settlement Office
The settlement office is the representative of Department of Home, Central Tibetan Administration and is the overall incharge of the settlement in all aspects, from maintaining law and order to development. He acts as a link between CTA, state and central government agencies and any other concerns. Under him, there is an elected camp leader who is assisted by group leaders. All development works are implemented through the camp leaders. Settlement officer takes all major decisions in consultation with the camp leaders and are the most important link between the settlement office and the community. All development works are implemented through the camp leaders. Settlement officer takes all major decisions in consultation with the camp leaders and are the most important link between the settlement office and the community.

Local Assembles:

Like every other genuine democratic system the Tibetans in Bir Dege elect their own representative for better understanding of the problems with them. These elected members act as an intermediary with relevant authorities, pass on information, settle disputes and collect money. They can bring up the problems of the Tibetan people and  raise the question on the working of the Tibetan settlement Officer. These members are elected on the basis of their strength of personality and once ability to stand before the interest of their people.

Traveling Guide

Nearest Railway station	Aeju	4
Nearest Air port	Gaggal	75
Bus and Taxi services	Yes